MR. BEELEY - A TRIBUTE.
The sudden and tragic death of Mr. Burch in 1948 marked the end of
an era during which the school had experienced many changes and undergone
considerable expansion. Mr. Ernest Beeley, M.A., formerly Classics
Master at Dulwich College, took up his appointment as Heamaster of
Lydney Grammar School in September, 1948. It soon became evident that
his disposition, ideas, purpose and direction were in almost direct
contrast to those of his predecessor - a resolute disciplinarian with
strong convictions and predilections. During the early transitional
period he enjoyed the unanimous goodwill of the teaching staff but
his most significant and encouraging support came from the pupils themselves,
who responded with commendable receptiveness to the liberalising influences
Mr. Beeley introduced into school affairs. Perfection cannot be expected
in an imperfect world, and attempts by individuals to outwit authority
are to be expected but, in the mass, the pupils of Lydney G. S. have
a well-deserved reputation for responsible behaviour with an innate
and mature regard for law and order well above the norm. In dealing
with the problems of discipline Mr. Beeley has preferred the appeal
to reason and to good social conduct rather that use the threat of
retribution at non-compliance with rules and regulations.
Relations between teaching staff and headmaster are almost ideally democratic
with the Head on Christian name terms with most of his male colleagues. I have
often wondered whether the younger members of the staff, and those who have
not taught in other school and under other headmaster, realise how rare a combination
in the latter are the virtues of consideration, geniality and unruffled good
humour which they may see so consistently in their own Headmaster.
Although corporal punishment is not readily resorted to, Mr. Beeley has no
hesitation in administering it with vigour when the offence warrants it. Nevertheless,
he leans over backwards to ensure justice is done as he gives the culprit sent
to him every opportunity to state his defence. Not infrequently a malefactor
with a well prepared tale and the ability to continue a particularly contrite
expression has got away with less than his deserts. This regard for clemency,
even if it is misplaced, is indicative of a Head with heart in the right place!
For every young rapscallion that has walked out of his study congratulating
himself at having pulled the wool over the "Old Man's" eyes
there are a score of less hardened ones thankful to be let off more lightly
than they had feared - and resolved not to chance their luck again!
And for what qualities will Mr. Beeley chiefly be remembered? For myself, an
ex-colleague, his unfailing courtesy and good humour with his always available
help and advice are unforgettable. Many ex-students will recollect his excellence
as a cricketer when, a masterly batsman and cunning bowler, he was a prominent
member of the staff cricket X1of some years ago. To all pupils, past and present,
his tolerance, humanity and his understanding of their hopes and aspirations
were, and are, always in evidence.
In all he made the school one in which it was a pleasure to work and teach -
a friendly place in which, with an environment free from tension and fears, pupil
and teacher have worked together in mutual respect and good will.
With Mr. Beeley's approaching retirement we reach the end of another era.
Again the name of the school is to be changed - this time an alien one to me.
I wonder if the new school will inspire as much affection in its future entrants
as I am sure the many thousands who have tramped its corridors feel for the old
L.G.S. Coupled with its memory will be the name of its last Headmaster, Mr. Beeley,
who will take with him our sincerest good wishes for many well-deserved care-free
years ahead. As I bid goodbye to the School that is soon to be no more I say "Welcome
Ernest, old friend, to the ranks of the thankfully unemployed."
S. E. D'Aubyn
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